The city had initially planned to start their swim classes on Jan. 14 but there was a filter issue. Then the chlorination system failed. MSDB was quick to replace the system, but they had to stay out of the water for about two days to stabilize the chlorine levels in the pool.

The wintry weather and icy roads caused staff to cancel classes for two days since many of the users are older and Permann said it didn’t seem prudent to have them driving or walking on any icy patches.

Permann said they had lost swimmers since they don’t currently have open swim at MSDB and the pool is smaller, but the locker rooms are very nice.

There’s also a large window to the pool, so parents don’t hang out on the pool deck during swim lessons. That’s making lessons go more smoothly and is a design feature to be considered if and when the city develops a new indoor swimming facility, Permann said.

Park and Rec works with insurance programs to provide services for those with medical needs and Permann said a physical therapist from Benefis Health System had approached staff for a potential partnership with additional classes.